The shielding exists on some Pakistani F-16s and also on certain mirages thanks to lessons from the French and you guys. Its applied on the canopy and cockpit area and adds about a 50-80lbs depending upon material. Not as drastic as you say it but it is needed, however less so if the electronic emitters are in external pods away from the main body of the aircraft (unlike a EA-6 or F-111G where they sit within the airframe); the growler has only slightly better shileding than the normal F/A-18 which is why Australia’s hornets are essentially hollow growlers ready for conversion.
The issue is power but RAT(Ram air Turbines) make do for the ALQ-99, 131 and 211 and should make do for any other pod.